UTB Warns Ugandan Travelers Carrying Gadgets to US, UK

The USA and UK governments have announced a ban on laptops and tablets on direct flights to the two countries.

Following this development, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has warned Ugandans flying to the US and the UK not to carry laptops, big screen mobile phones and tablets on direct flights to the two countries.

The USA was the first to issue the ban on certain electronic gadgets with officials saying bombs could be hidden in a series of devices.

UK followed with a similar ban restricting the kind of electronics that passengers are allowed to take on board in the plane cabin.

The public relations officer UTB Mr Vincent Mugamba noted that the regulations have begun to bite as some airlines like Emirates, the Middle East’s largest airline, cut flights to the US by 20% from 126 to 101 flights a week.

The cabin luggage ban covers all electronic items with built-in batteries and plugs that are larger than 16cm long, 9.3cm wide or 1.5cm deep.